Northumbria Student Academic Journal: Announcements

Representations of neurodiverse and queer identity - special issue call for papers.

Northumbria Student Academic Journal — 2026-02-09

Neurodiversity and queerness are explored across many academic disciplines including psychology, history, law, politics, media studies, education, and the creative arts. This special issue creates space for student voices on these crucial topics.

Historically and today, neurodivergent and queer people face marginalization in various forms. Changing equality laws, media representations, and societal attitudes create complex pressures for those living these identities. Research shows that neurodivergent individuals identify as LGBTQ+ at higher rates than neurotypical peers, yet the 'neuroqueer' intersection remains underexplored in scholarship.

Topics of Interest

We welcome submissions on topics including (but not limited to):

Intersectional representations of 'neuroqueer' characters in film, television, or video gaming
'Neuroqueer' themes and representations in literature
Historical accounts of 'neuroqueer' identity and communities
'Neuroqueer' experiences within systems like healthcare, law, and education
'Neuroqueer' perspectives in creative fields including artwork, music, and performance
Identity formation and community building
Policy analysis and advocacy
Lived experience research and autoethnographic approaches
Theoretical frameworks for understanding neurodiversity and/or queerness

Traditional academic writing and creative approaches are both welcome.

About the Editorial Team

This special issue is guest-edited by researchers specializing in queer culture, policy, and lived experience. The editorial process is overseen by scholars with expertise in neurodiversity, including lived experience perspectives.

Our editorial team includes students and staff who understand these topics both academically and personally. Your work will be reviewed by people who recognize its importance and will handle it with care and respect.

The Northumbria Student Academic Journal is committed to publishing research that engages fairly with different perspectives and uses appropriate evidence. We create space for voices often marginalized in traditional academic publishing.

What Happens After You Submit

Here's the timeline from submission to publication:

March 28, 2026 - Submission deadline (midnight)

Early April 2026 - Peer review process begins

Mid-April 2026 - You receive feedback from reviewers

Late April 2026 - Submit revised version based on feedback

End of May 2026 - Publication in the journal

The Peer Review Process

All submissions go through a double-blind peer review. This means:

Reviewers don't know who you are
You don't know who the reviewers are
Feedback focuses purely on the work itself

Your submission will be reviewed by students and staff with expertise in your topic area. Reviews are developmental, not just evaluative. Reviewers will help you strengthen your argument, clarify your analysis, and improve your evidence. This is a learning opportunity, not a judgment.

If reviewers suggest revisions, you'll have time to make changes before final publication. We work with you through this process.

How to Prepare Your Submission

Required Elements

Your submission must include:

Main text: 3,000 words maximum (including references)
Abstract: 200 words maximum, summarizing your argument and findings
Keywords: At least 4 keywords for indexing purposes
File format: Submit as .docx (Microsoft Word document)
Anonymized: Remove your name and any identifying information from the document

Formatting and Citations

For detailed guidance on formatting, images, tables, and citation style, see our submission guidelines.

We accept standard academic citation styles (APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago). Use whichever is appropriate for your discipline and be consistent throughout.

How to Submit

Email your submission to: nsaj@northumbria.ac.uk

Deadline: Midnight on March 28, 2026

In your email, include:

Your name
Your level of study (undergraduate year/postgraduate programme)
Your institution
A brief note about your work (optional)

Support Available

Questions Before Submitting

Not sure if your work is ready? Want to discuss whether your topic fits? Need clarification on requirements?

Email us: nsaj@northumbria.ac.uk

We typically respond within 2 working days. Common questions we're happy to answer:

"Is my work good enough to submit?"
"Can I write about my own experiences?"
"What if I've never published before?"
"Can I get feedback on a draft before submitting?"

Accessibility Support

We're committed to making this process accessible. If you need:

Information in alternative formats
Extended time or adjusted deadlines due to disability
Support understanding the submission process
Other reasonable adjustments

Please contact us and we'll work with you.

Call for submissions - 25/26 academic year

Northumbria Student Academic Journal — 2025-09-12

The Northumbria Student Academic Journal is now accepting submissions for our upcoming issue. We welcome origional work from across disciplines and study levels. Don't miss your chance to have your work included in a peer reviewed, academic journal.

All submissions must be 3000 words or less (including references), have an abstract of max. 200 words and include at least 4 keywords for indexing purposes. For full manuscript preparation including images, format and citation see our submission guidelines.

Deadline for the submissions to the general 25/26 issue is 28th Feb 2026.

Submissions should be sent via email to: nsaj@northumbria.ac.uk by midnight on the submission deadline.

Call for Peer Reviewers and Editors

Northumbria Student Academic Journal — 2025-02-07

Calling all Northumbria postgraduate students! The Northumbria Student Academic Journal is looking for Peer Reviewers and Editors to review students' work. Please see the below details for each of the opportunities:

1. Peer Reviewer Volunteer

Do you want to become a Peer Reviewer?

As a Peer Reviewer, you'll play an important role in ensuring that the articles submitted meet high academic standards. You'll have the chance to read and review submissions in your area of expertise, provide helpful feedback to the authors, and collaborate with the editorial team to decide whether an article should be accepted, revised, or rejected. It's a fantastic way to contribute to the academic community while sharpening your own skills!

What does a Peer Reviewer do?

A Peer Reviewer reads submissions to assess the quality, originality and importance of the research/work presented. They look at both the strengths and weaknesses of a submission and offer helpful suggestions on how to make the work stronger.
For more academic pieces they also check that sources are properly cited and raise concerns if they spot any ethical issues.
Using their expertise and careful assessment of the submission, they recommend the next steps on whether a submission gets accepted, revised or rejected and explains why.
Peer Reviewers abide by confidentiality code of conduct, ensuring that the paper’s content isn’t shared with others unless allowed by the journal.
They also let the journal know before they accept the review if they have any personal, professional or financial connection with the authors.

Who is eligible?

Any postgraduate student, no matter where they are in their career, is welcome to apply as a Peer Reviewer. If you have a solid understanding of your field and an eagerness to offer helpful feedback, then you’re a great fit!

What are we looking for?

Strong critical analysis skills.
Ability to provide clear, constructive and actionable feedback.
Excellent written communication skills and a keen eye for detail.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Commitment to maintaining the journal’s ethical standards to support its mission.

What are the benefits of joining us as a Peer-Reviewer?

Enhance your professional and academic development by gaining full training on best peer reviewing practice.
Gain hands-on experience by learning in an open, supportive environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and continuous growth.
Develop leadership skills by working with students outside your course to help support their work.
Engage with editors and other peer-reviewers to expand your academic network.
Recognition in the journal’s acknowledgement section or reviewer list.
Work with career advisors to highlight the skills you've gained and effectively showcase them on your CV.

How to apply:

Interested applicants should complete the form below to register their interest:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=3c9X5zUfV0Svj3ycaxQ34xR99kCxGSxJoGiJCuUwwXRUNU5WNUpESFBLMU1MRzZOUlNXNlVVTjdOQi4u

Qualified applicants will be contacted to discuss the details of the role and match them with appropriate submissions for review.

2. Editor Volunteer

Do you want to become an Editor?

As an Editor for the Northumbria Student Academic Journal, you'll help refine and improve the content of submissions while matching them with the right peer reviewers. You'll work closely with the editor-in-chief to make sure the submissions meet the journal's standards for clarity, structure, and flow. Plus, you'll have the important role of making the final decision on whether a submission is accepted or rejected. It's a great opportunity to make a big impact and be part of an exciting academic community!

What does an Editor do?

Editors read submissions and match them with the right peer reviewers by assessing the expertise needed.
They also evaluate the quality of writing and make sure that the content is presented logically and effectively. They also look out for grammar, spelling and syntax mistakes, making sure the final accepted submissions are error-free!
Editors communicate with authors to provide constructive feedback, suggest revisions and improvements in writing, structure and content.
Another aspect of their role is to make the final judgment on whether submissions are accepted or rejected, offering proper reason and clarification.
They also abide by confidentiality code of conduct, sharing submission information only with those involved in the evaluation, review, and publication processes.
Before accepting an assignment, editors disclose any personal, professional or financial ties to the authors.

Who is eligible?

Any postgraduate student, no matter where they are in their career, is welcome to apply as an editor. If you have a solid understanding of your field, a keen eye for detail and an eagerness to offer helpful feedback, then you’re a great fit!

What are we looking for?

Excellent written communication skills and a keen eye for detail.
Familiarity with academic writing, formatting and citation styles.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Commitment to maintaining the journal’s ethical standards to support its mission.
Excellent interpersonal skills for communicating constructive feedback to the author.

What are the benefits of joining us as an Editor?

Enhance your professional and academic development by gaining full training on best editing practice.
Gain hands-on experience by learning in an open, supportive environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and continuous growth.
Develop leadership skills by working with students outside your course to help support their work and make critical decisions about publication.
Engage with peer-reviewers and other editors to expand your academic network.
Recognition in the journal’s acknowledgement section or editors list.
Work with career advisors to highlight the skills you've gained and effectively showcase them on your CV.

How to apply:

Interested applicants should send their CV including the relevant areas of expertise to nsaj@northumbria.ac.uk. Qualified applicants will be contacted to discuss the details of the role and match them with appropriate submissions for editing or review.